Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-02-24
Esebe, the Cap-ssare,.

very jealous Of Hebe, who was her own
daughter. TO be sure; but that made very
little difference 10 the queen of heaven: il
was enough that Hebe was young, graceful
and beautiful, and that the gods and god
desses admired her when she walked 30
gaiiy 70 JoEe and handed him his frequent
goblet Of nectar She was fair creature
IS she stood there in her variegated gar
ments, smiling as he drank il, and Juno
would have liked 9 young friend of hers to
take Hebe's place
This friend was young prince of Troy,
by the Mans Of Ganymede. Being very TO
mantle, he was a shepherd, and tended his
flock upon Mount Ida. He had applied
very often to Juno 20 be able 10 serve the
mighty god Of heaven with nectar, that is,
/ 10 become his cup-bearer, for he was aware
how much Juno admired grace and beau
/ ty; therefore he relied upon his own exqui-
/ site face and form.
One day Hebe appeared more beautiful
than ever, and created such q stir Of admi-
ration upon the heights of Olympus, that
/ Juno came TO the conclusion that the soon
er she got he- in disfavor with Jove, the
more peace she would have herself; so she
sent for Ganymede TO come directly to
Olympus.
He was Immediately borne TO heaven by
a mighty eagle, who set him down near the
dwelling of the gods. Juno told him that
not only she, but Venus, too. was very jeal-
Gus of Hebe's beauty, and ifthey could only
get her into disfavor, Jove would immedi-
ately discharge her as his cup-bearer. But
that he must try and think of plan to get
rid of her.
"Hebe must appear to lack grace in some
movement" she said, "but as We cannot
disfigure her face, we must cause her to APP
pear clumsy in some way"
Suddenly an idea entered Ganymede's
head. "Why cannot we cause her to trip
as she moves quickly towards Jove, and
dash the golden goblet TO the ground; then
Jove, whose temper, you are aware, is not
always the best on such occasions, will wish
for some one else to take her place; then
will became his cub-bearer, and your admit
ration alone, great Juno, will fill me with
delight"
This plan pleased Juno very much, but
the first thing they must think of was now
to cause Hebe to trip. At last they decided
upon waxing the floor very near to where
she always handed Jovc his nectar, and as
she was very quick of foot, she was, if not
certain to fall, at least sure to stumble.
Juno then had this all prepared, without
the knowledge of any save her accomplice.
One bright day, when the birds upon
Olympus were singing their joyous song,
and all was beaming with sunshine while
the flowers lifted their glad heads TO inhale
the morning air, the gods and goddesses
were assembled in the great banquet hall,
waiting for their nectar and ambrosia TO be
! brought to them. At Jove's call the light
footed Hebe came skipping along carrying
| in her dainty hands the thunderer's golden
goblet, that it was his habit to drain at a
! single draught
Who, as they gazed upon this beautiful
and healthful young goddess, would imag-
! inc that she in all her innocence and love
illness had inspired jealousy, hate and envy
/ in the hearts of others, but il was too true,
for scarcely had her pretty feet touched the
wax before they gave way beneath her,
and she fell to the ground, the nectar was
spilled and the golden goblet rolled far from
| her hand.
At this Jove rose in anger, Can the halls
Of Olympus boast of no better grace" he
cried with his voice of thunder "Hebc
shall no longer be my cup-bearcr. Twill
elect another in her place"
Juno pretended to feel very sorry for her
poor daughter, and whispered to the Trojan
prince to step forth humbly and pray the
god to give him the honorable position.
This he did, and wrathful Jove willingly
granted il to him, while poor Hebe wept
bitterly as she left the banquet hall, and
Juno wore upon her stern countenance a
a smile of triumph.